The DEBUT!!

I'm soooo very thrilled to announce a project that I have been working on for a little over a year now. 

You know those ideas that have you sit straight up in bed at 4am? 

It started out as a little seed, and it's wonderful to finally see it come to fruition.  

I love blogging. I love the conversations that I have with my clients because of it. 

I think it's a place for you to see what goes on behind closed doors. 

It's a place where I can share news, sneak-peeks, and a bit about my life.

I hope it also gives you a peek into the lives of my clients, and maybe the importance of a photograph. 

I decided I wanted a place for mom's to go to read about kid 

stuff and I wanted a place for brides to go to read about wedding stuff. 

So what's a girl to do?

Simple. 

Create a place for each. 

Show and Tell will now be only for my portrait clients (newborns, toddlers, kids and family) 

and 'Dear Stacey' will now be it's sister company, specializing in weddings.

What does this mean for all of my Show and Tell couples?

Everything is the same, only the name and the website have changed. 

That's about it!

It's been a year in the making. 

There was a ton of sleepless nights and a bunch of time spent with fabulous blog, 

web, and graphic designers to bring the vision all together. 

I would love for you to take a look at what I have been up to!

Check out the new website: dearstacey.com

Become a fan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dear-Stacey/275674139166653

Visit my new blog to see all of my latest engagement and wedding sessions that I will be posting soon, 

as well as what's new in the world of weddings: dearstaceyblog.com

Can't wait to hear what you think!

Thank you to everyone who has helped me make Dear Stacey a reality. 

I'm so grateful for your ideas, help, friendship and fabulous talent.  

I know I can be a PITA, so I owe ya one for putting up with me!

Thank you to all of my readers, and all of my clients who support and encourage me. 

There are no words to express all the gratitude I feel.

xo

Matt + Allison - Engagement Session

I met Matt and Allison last week at their house for their engagement session. 

Their home was charming, cozy and had character... just like them.

Their wedding is just two weeks away so 

I have to get busy editing the rest of their session. 

I just wanted to give you all a quick 'sneak peek' to let you know what I have been up to!

the family...

He stopped within one inch of my face. lol 

last frame of the day...

Super excited for May 19th!!

Apple, Starbucks and an Adventure - Charlie + Valerie

We were 3,000 miles away on different coasts when we first spoke.

We talked about love, their upcoming wedding day and everything in between.

Life is funny that way.  Sometimes a stranger can feel like a long lost friend. 

That's how I felt with Valerie. I liked her from our very first e-mail.
I'm pretty sure, though, that's how everyone must feel when they meet Valerie.
She has this fabulous enthusiasm and charm that just pulls you right in.

***

They met at Starbucks.

Valerie told me that when she first saw Charlie there, he was intently
reading a book (about computers) and she was intrigued.
Fast forward a few years later,
they're now engaged and his career with Apple led them both venturing
out to the west coast together.

***

I love new beginnings. Any kind of new start really.
Whether it's a new career, a new town or a new relationship.
They are the moments of possibility.
Where dreams sort of exist in reality. The fear of the unknown dares us to come out of hiding.
We would never know the other side unless we took a step in that direction.
It can be uncomfortable. It can be scary. Or you can make it an adventure worth having.
It's all in the way we look at it.
Valerie and Charlie look at life that way I think...and each other.
Love is perhaps the biggest and greatest adventure of all.
It reveals it's story one moment at a time and who better to share that with than your best friend.

Here's to a life of adventure and all the possibilities it brings to you both!

***

Where it all began...over Starbucks coffee.

He works for Apple.

We had to.

They both have these adorable dimples.

Who doesn't love some dimples?

A hint of a smile...

Before the real deal...

Some more yummy light...

Loved how they coordinated.

Just look at her features.

The eyes, the lips...the hair.
Lovely.

I tried to contain myself from bombarding him with questions when we met.

I mean - working for Apple is like saying you're a doctor these days.

Everyone wants some free advice.

He did mention one thing that I thought was cool: the

difference between Apple and Androids is that
Apple is committed to making touch screens flow more like a gesture than a command.

I liked that.

You found a good egg...apple Valerie! ; )

I will be photographing their Long Island wedding at the charming 'Three Village Inn'.

Speaking of charm, how about a little rustic charm...

As the light was fading they did a quick outfit change to get a cozy look in.

"Cozy".

I love everything that that word conjures up.

'I've got your love to keep me warm...'

31 degrees - perfect for snuggling.

The last frame of the day...

Sealed with a kiss...

Valerie and Charlie, thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I appreciate your faith in me so very much.
The fact that you booked me without meeting me was a huge deal.

It's important that my clients like working with me as much as they may like my work.

We spend an extensive amount of time together, and time well spent is spent with people just like you.
It never ever feels like I'm working a day in my life when I'm in the company of folks like you.
Thank you for braving the chilly air with me and for being so fun and enthusiastic.
Can't wait to see you both when you're back in town for your happy day!

P.S

Before you go, leave your thoughts below!
20 comments = a complimentary gift for the couple

P.P.S

Thanks to the Knot for sending Charlie and Valerie my way!

The Book of Love - Chris + Danielle - Long Island Engagement

She is a librarian.
Have you ever heard of anything so cute?!

Just when I thought the world of books had met their fate with the Nooks, Kindles and Ipads -
there was Danielle who still uses the Dewy system. I literally sighed in relief.

It's the classic case of boy meets girl.  

Their beautiful beginning began among rows of books at a library where they both work.

It took him almost a year to work up his nerve to even talk to her.

***

I think The Monotones asked the most perplexing question ever:
'Who wrote the book of love?'

While we all may search for the answers,
we are actually in charge of our own fate with each turn of a page.
We are the authors of our story. 

Each new chapter that we write can be savored or dwelled upon.
We have a choice.

While we are all busy looking for that happy ending -- the pages in between are being written.

And it's those pages, those moments, those every day minuet minutes that are what life is made up of.

We all have a story to tell. And maybe that's why I love pictures so much. They help tell our story.

They help us reference our lives. The story may be our own, but the best ones are shared with others.
That's why I do this blog.
In a world that is filled with heart wrenching news, it's nice to hear of happiness.

People who found love and couples that make each other happy.

'Peace, love and joy' should be celebrated throughout our lives, not just on special occasions. 
Love should be lived, not just felt.

Every story has three parts: a beginning, a middle, and an end.
And although this is how all stories unfold, I'm pretty sure Danielle and Christopher's will go on forever.

Their love story began here:

It all started with a kiss...

They were referencing something...

4 foot something to his six foot something...

I'm talking height here. ; )

This one makes my heart happy.

A little bit of symmetry...

I should have taken a picture of the heart Danielle drew.

It would have made you giggle.

Genuine smiles are my favorite...

There is a cozy little outdoor reading park called 'Inside Out' behind the Sachem library.

If you're ever in the area you should stop by to check it out! You can find out more about it here.

While we are on the subject of libraries - I have a confession to make.
I used to cut class.
But I was the dork who would cut class to read in the school library while my friends went to the beach.
*shakes head*

Being wrapped up in a story is one of my favorite things to do.
It's the main reason why I love my job.
I get to see, hear and feel the stories that are behind every single image.  

What kind of December session would this be without a Christmas tree?! So I snuck one in.

The moon made an appearance too...

Danielle and Christopher,

 I love how you both smile ear to ear when you look at each other.

It was awesome seeing where it all started for you both, and where your story continues to still be written.

I'm thrilled that I will be documenting your 'story'...hopefully with a dusting of snow around us!

P.S.

Special thanks to the Knot for bringing C+D my way!

P.P.S.

Before you go, leave your thoughts below.

20 comments = a complimentary gift for the couple!

High School Sweethearts - Jessica + Jonathan

Do you remember your first crush? First love? 

First, can't sleep at night 'cause you can't stop thinking about them?

We all have one. 

Do you remember what it felt like? 

It's that giddy, light headed feeling. 

It's the feeling that you can't stop smiling ear to ear.

There are butterflies in your stomach, a twinkle in your eye and permanent blush on your cheeks.
Now just imagine the chance to be married to your first love.
Pretty dang sweet if you ask me.  

First love. 

As amazing and as memorable as it is -
most of the time when we grow up we move on because things change. 

We change. 

Along with our thoughts, our feelings, and sometimes our love. 

But, for some of the lucky few, it stays the same. 

Some get to grow old together. 

Meet Jessica and Jonathan.

High school sweethearts...that never really ever got a chance to become an 'old flame'.

Instead their flame seems to just get brighter - especially with the news of their upcoming wedding.

They still have that twinkle in their eyes and the giddy smiles that love can't keep at bay.  

I just love how their cheeks fit together. Like a puzzle...

All they did was smile at each other. 

Not just smiling...happy smiling.

I love the rustic feel of a barn....

Smiling eyes.

Sometimes we have a little fun for a minute...

or two...

You're lala-lovely, Jess...

A nuzzle.
I love that word. 

Two shadows on the wall...

Annnd a few silhouettes to go along with the shadows...

I can't think of anything cooler than being engaged to your high school sweetheart. 

They are the person who knew you 'way back when'. 

At 16 - When we think we know it all. And some would argue that fact. 

But in this case...I think you would have showed them.  ; ) 

Jessica and Jonathan (I know, readers - another 'J' couple!) - 

Thank you so much for being so much fun.   

I had such a great time with you both and I can't wait for the big day!

P.S.

Thanks to the Knot for bringing them my way! 

Speaking of the Knot - I have some exciting news to share with you in 2012.

P.P.S

Before you go, leave your thoughts below. 

20 comments = complimentary gift for the couple!

Anna + Frank - Long Island Engagement Session

"What is one thing I love about Anna?"

He repeated it back to me like he needed extra time to think.

It wasn't though that it was hard for him to think about one thing he loved,

it was hard for him to narrow it down to just one.
I ummmm think ; )

After a slight pause, he said it was her laughter.
How once she starts, it would be a good ten minutes before she stops.

Her ability to laugh so easily and his ability to really enjoy it is what I love most about them.

They were silly, they were sweet, and they were fun.
They also flew in from Colorado for their e-session...
okay not just for their e-session but it sounded good, no? ; )
They came down to spend the best day of the year, Thanksgiving, celebrating
with family and friends as well as tying up loose ends for their wedding.

Anna and Frank are a little special.
So, I'm going to nix the 'small' (haha - when are my blog posts ever 'small')
talk and dive right into it 'cause this is a bigger 'sneak peek' than usual.

You see...Anna is one of my sister's BFF's.

I knew her back when 90's music was cool.

While this should make me feel old - seeing Anna with her love, Frank, makes me feel young at heart.

'I hope you dance...'

and live life with all heart...

They're in love.

See?!

Anyone remember Hollywood Squares?
Or as some of you have come to know...my 'frame within a frame' shot I try to do at each session.
I love when couples let themselves go a little bit...
it makes my heart happy.

Hellooo there beautiful...

Not too shabby my friend...

Content...

They were this stinkin' cute the whole time.

Herbs Love grows here...

A pretty smile and the real deal...

Whoooopie....as in hooray.
 (I know what you were thinking! ; )

These just make me looooove you both.
I love when couples have fun and actually play on our 'playdate'.

Anna, you don't have a bad angle.

This was a gift Frank gave Anna.

It was passed down through a few generations in his family.

They each wear half.
I love things that are sentimental...and folks who value it. 

I adore your whole vibe...

I think this captures the whole charming vintage/rustic fabulous-ness they have

going on for their wedding day...

I loved getting to know you on a whole new level.

Not just as my little sister's bff, but as a client, a friend, and a super kind person.

I adore seeing you both together. Your silliness, your happiness and your love had me at 'hello'.

P.S.

Thanks Autumn...in a round about way for the referral!

Annnd also Mrs. Hudson for last winter's family session which I think kinda got us to this point : )

P.P.S.

Before you go, leave your thoughts below!

20 comments = complimentary gift for the couple